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Impact of Climate Change on Prairie Landscapes and Waterfowl

Souris River Watershed Wetland Inventory and Change Detection.

About the Study

Lead researcher: Lauren E. Bortolotti, Ph.D.

The Prairie Pothole Region contains millions of wetlands, and is the continent’s most productive breeding ground for waterfowl. The wetlands that waterfowl depend on are expected to be sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation. As such, climate change could alter wetland abundance and distribution. Climate change may also affect waterfowl nesting habitat by influencing which crops can grow or are most economical to grow in the Canadian prairies. This project examined the joint effect of these direct climatic impacts on wetlands and economically driven land use change on waterfowl nest success.

We collaborated with Dr. Yanping Li at Western University to use cutting-edge dynamically downscaled climate data to predict wetland distribution under potential future climates. We combined these predictions with previous research on economically driven changes in upland duck nesting habitats in collaboration with Dr. Benjamin Rashford at the University of Wyoming. To understand associated impacts on duck nesting success, a crucial component of sustaining healthy waterfowl populations, we incorporated these data into Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Conservation Planning Model.

Timelines

We have submitted a manuscript for peer review.

Goals & Purposes

Our objective is to understand the effects of climate change on prairie wetland abundance and distribution, agricultural land use, and associated impacts on waterfowl. This information will better inform our conservation decisions and plans, including ensuring that the investments we make now will contribute to sustaining healthy waterfowl populations into the future.

Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research

Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research

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About IWWR

About IWWR

The Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research (IWWR) is the research arm of Ducks Unlimited Canada.

Research

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Our world-leading research uncovers the unique relationships between wetlands, waterfowl, watershed health, biodiversity and more.

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New discoveries are waiting in the wings. IWWR supports innovative research and the bright minds leading it.